Ramadan

Ramadan is the holiest month in the Islamic calendar, observed by Muslims across the world as a period of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community. This spiritual observance's primary purpose is to promote self-discipline, self-reflection, and empathy for those less fortunate. Different aspects of Ramadan include fasting from dawn to dusk, engaging in increased prayer and recitation of the Quran, giving to charity, and striving to purify one's character.

The observance of Ramadan is deeply rooted in Islamic tradition, observed since the time of Prophet Mohammad. This sacred month holds significant importance for Muslims in India, which is home to one of the world's largest Muslim populations. Here, Ramadan takes on a unique flavour influenced by India's diverse cultures, languages, and traditions. It becomes a remarkable time of heightened piety, intense devotion and celebratory meals that foster a sense of community. The Sehri (pre-dawn meal) and Iftar (meal to break the fast) are characteristic of Ramadan celebrations in India, where regional cuisine adds a gastronomic dimension to the holy month.

Ramadan in India is marked by a flurry of activities. Community-centric 'Iftar parties' are a common sight, where people of different faiths come together to break the fast, promoting communal harmony. Nightly Taraweeh prayers are conducted in mosques throughout the country. Indian towns and cities glow with festive lights, and stalls selling dates and delicacies spring up as sundown nears. Ramadan concludes with the festive celebration of Eid-ul-Fitr, a day of gratitude and joy. Since the Islamic calendar is lunar-based, the occurrence of Ramadan varies from year to year. In India, it usually lands between April and June and is eagerly awaited by the Muslim community.